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Hydro Excavator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hydro Vac Truck Operator

Boerne, TX · On-site

$19 - $24.25/hr

The ideal candidate will safely operate hydro excavation equipment to perform non-destructive digging for underground utilities while maintaining strict safety standards Supervisory Responsibilities:

Hydro Vac Truck Operator

Boerne, TX · On-site

$19 - $24.25/hr

The ideal candidate will safely operate hydro excavation equipment to perform non-destructive digging for underground utilities while maintaining strict safety standards Supervisory Responsibilities:

Hydro Vac Truck Operator

Boerne, TX · On-site

$19 - $24.25/hr

The ideal candidate will safely operate hydro excavation equipment to perform non-destructive digging for underground utilities while maintaining strict safety standards Supervisory Responsibilities:

Operate Hydro Vac trucks to excavate soil safely and efficiently while minimizing damage to underground utilities. * Conduct pre-trip inspections of equipment to ensure proper functionality and ...

Operate Hydro Vac trucks to excavate soil safely and efficiently while minimizing damage to underground utilities. * Conduct pre-trip inspections of equipment to ensure proper functionality and ...

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Hydro Excavator information

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$13

$26

$41

How much do hydro excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydro excavator in the United States is $26.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hydro excavator?

A hydro excavator is a specialized operator who uses high-pressure water and a powerful vacuum system to safely and efficiently excavate soil or other materials. This non-destructive process, known as hydro excavation, is often used for digging around sensitive underground utilities, pipelines, or in areas where traditional excavation methods could cause damage. Hydro excavators are commonly employed in construction, utility maintenance, and environmental cleanup projects. Their work helps ensure precise excavation with minimal risk to existing infrastructure.

How much does hydro excavation pay?

Hydro excavators typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $60,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators with specialized training or certifications may earn higher wages, especially in high-demand areas or for complex projects.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Hydro excavators typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized surgeons, or successful business owners. High-paying jobs often require advanced skills, extensive experience, or ownership of a business. Most roles in the hydro excavation industry have salaries well below this threshold.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

Hydro excavators can earn around $10,000 a month with experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand environments. These roles often require technical knowledge, physical stamina, and sometimes certifications, but typically do not require a college degree. High-paying trades and skilled labor jobs in construction, oil and gas, or specialized equipment operation can also reach this income level without a degree.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hydro Excavator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hydro Excavator, you need experience with heavy equipment operation, a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), and a basic understanding of utility line locations and excavation safety protocols. Familiarity with hydro excavation trucks, vacuum systems, and safety certifications such as OSHA or HAZWOPER is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These qualifications and skills ensure safe, precise excavation work that avoids utility damage and maintains compliance with safety regulations.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Hydro excavators typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily earnings are more common in specialized or high-level roles like certain construction managers, project directors, or highly experienced contractors. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive experience in the industry.

What are some common safety challenges Hydro Excavators face on the job, and how are they addressed?

Hydro Excavators frequently work around underground utilities, heavy equipment, and in varying weather conditions, all of which introduce unique safety challenges. To mitigate risks, teams emphasize thorough site assessments, regular safety training, and strict adherence to operating procedures. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and real-time communication with crew members are mandatory to ensure everyone's well-being. Additionally, Hydro Excavators often collaborate closely with utility locators and site supervisors to prevent accidental damage and maintain a safe work environment.

What is the difference between Hydro Excavator vs Vacuum Excavator?

AspectHydro ExcavatorVacuum Excavator
Primary MethodUses high-pressure water to loosen soilUses suction to remove debris and soil
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, utility workConstruction, excavation, debris removal
CredentialsOperator certification, safety trainingOperator certification, safety training
Industry UsageUtility installation, potholingDebris removal, excavation

Hydro Excavator and Vacuum Excavator are often used together but serve different functions. Hydro Excavators use pressurized water to safely expose underground utilities, while Vacuum Excavators remove debris and loosened soil. Both require operator certification and are common in construction and utility industries, but their primary methods and applications differ.

More about Hydro Excavator jobs
What cities are hiring for Hydro Excavator jobs? Cities with the most Hydro Excavator job openings:
What states have the most Hydro Excavator jobs? States with the most job openings for Hydro Excavator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hydro Excavator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Overview

MasTec Utility Services delivers critical infrastructure construction and engineering services for power delivery, gas, and water customers, specializing in overhead and underground electric distribution for power delivery systems, gas distribution construction for gas systems, and turnkey solutions for a variety of water, sewer, and civil infrastructure projects. Backed by the strength of decades of experience, unrivaled industry skills, and a deep commitment to core values, MUS delivers safe, innovative, and environmentally responsible services that provide extraordinary value to clients.

MasTec Utility Services is a purpose-driven company. Our core values guide our strategy, performance, and culture. We believe in maintaining an environment where team members can make an impact, grow, and thrive. A place where they find meaning and purpose in doing the important work of ensuring communities have the vital energy, light, and communications to prosper. Our culture is inclusive and welcoming. Our teams are empowered with abundant training, tools, and opportunities to follow their curiosity and ambitions. Everyone has an equal chance to advance. Everyone is supported, respected, and challenged to be their best. We’re always looking for talented and dedicated people to join us and love where they work.

MasTec Utility Services is a proud subsidiary of MasTec (NYSE: MTZ), a Fortune 500 Company ranked by Energy News-Record as one of the leading contractors in the country. MUS is part of the MasTec Power Delivery segment. We are certified as a minority-controlled company by the National Minority Suppliers Development Council (NMSDC). Our rich diversity of people and ideas makes us a stronger, more innovative organization.

Job Summary

The Hydro Excavation Operator operates high-pressure water and vacuum systems to excavate soil. Hydrovac Excavation is a non-destructive method of excavating as an alternative to mechanical equipment or hand-digging. Hydrovacs use pressurized water and a vacuum system to quickly, safely, precisely, and cleanly excavate around utilities, pipelines, and numerous other applications.


Responsibilities
  • Operate jobsite equipment safely.
  • Operate the on-board hydro-vacuum system outside the truck performing non-destructive excavation around sensitive underground piping and cables. 
  • Perform Hydrovac work consists of cleaning and vacuuming, mobilization of equipment, truck maintenance, daily documentation, safety meetings, etc.
  • Safety Focus: Must adhere to strict safety regulations. At MasTec, safety isn't just a priority - it's a core value. Working safely is a condition of employment.
  • Perform other duties as required and/or assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum

  • High school diploma, or equivalent.
  • 1+ years of Hydrovac Excavation or related experience.
  • CDL-A licensure with tanker endorsements and a clean driving record.

Preferred

  • 2 or more years of direct VXT Truck Vacuum Excavator experience.
  • Operator Qualification.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

This job operates in a field environment. This role routinely requires extended periods of bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting, lifting in awkward positions, standing, and twisting. Also, working in inclement weather conditions, such as extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, ice, snow, and wind.  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This position is physically active, with lifting required. Must be able to bend and lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more or 20 inches or less, with the ability to judge distance and space relationships. Precise hand-eye coordination. Ability to identify and distinguish colors. 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The Company reserves the right to revise or change the job duties as the need arises. Management reserves the right to change the description, duties, or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities.  

Benefits available include Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance, a 401k plan and Employee Stock Purchase plan. MasTec is a publicly traded company MTZ (NYSE).

Equal Employment Opportunity: 

The Company’s policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and EEOC regulations. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Qualifications:

Minimum

  • High school diploma, or equivalent.
  • 1+ years of Hydrovac Excavation or related experience.
  • CDL-A licensure with tanker endorsements and a clean driving record.

Preferred

  • 2 or more years of direct VXT Truck Vacuum Excavator experience.
  • Operator Qualification.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

This job operates in a field environment. This role routinely requires extended periods of bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting, lifting in awkward positions, standing, and twisting. Also, working in inclement weather conditions, such as extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, ice, snow, and wind.  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This position is physically active, with lifting required. Must be able to bend and lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more or 20 inches or less, with the ability to judge distance and space relationships. Precise hand-eye coordination. Ability to identify and distinguish colors. 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The Company reserves the right to revise or change the job duties as the need arises. Management reserves the right to change the description, duties, or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities.  

Benefits available include Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance, a 401k plan and Employee Stock Purchase plan. MasTec is a publicly traded company MTZ (NYSE).

Equal Employment Opportunity: 

The Company’s policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and EEOC regulations. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME